Originally Posted by stefan
Nah, the crank usually comes out pretty easy and the groove is to keep oil at the front bearing.
You should always measure your crank pin with a caliper when you have your engine apart. If the pin is out of round by more than 3/10 th of a mm, don't bother with a new rod, it will be worn out after a liter or two.
Ah, thats good news about the crank i guess, meaning, the groove that it...not sure about the pin though, i'll measure it when i've run it for a couple of tanks, just wanna get it in the car i see if it actually work well as is, then i'll strip it down again and measure the crank pin roundness like you said.
If it is ovaled, do you reckon its worth throwing it, or actually buying a new crank, as its like £50! stands me at £70gpb so far £50 engine, £20 rod, guess i've learnt a lesson not to buy second had now i guess!!
Cheers for eveyones help and input by the way!